“Mr. Coking, we reached 1500 meters. If you want this attempt to be made in day light, now it’s the right time to detach the parachute from the balloon.”

“All right then Mr. Green, meet you at the ground”

24 July 1837…this was the moment when history began taking its tool, as Robert Coking is the first person to be killed in a parachuting accident. A large crowd had gathered to witness Cokings parachute jump and it was immediately obvious that Cocking was in trouble. As he was descending rapidly the parachute broke down and the entire apparatus plunged downwards with increasing speed. Coking died instantly in the crash.

Where was he thinking? Silly man, he deserved it, parachuting is all about anticipation, there is no place for amateurs…but why am I standing here for and reading this nonsense, I should be preparing my jump.

And he takes some steps;

“Hey there Sentof, you look like you could use some help folding that parachute.”

“No thanks, I got it.”

Amateurs, they don’t even know how to fold their own parachute and offer to help me. I’m the best parachutist…what are they taking me for? A novice?

And he takes some more steps;

“Hello Sentof, I just called to see if you…can come home early today, I could really use some…”

“Evas! How many times have I told you not to call me while training?

But Sentof, I was worried, skydiving can be very dangerous and…

“I am a professional; don’t you think I know that? Stop acting so selfish!”

Sometimes speaking with my wife is like speaking to the walls. She never understands. I often wonder what is in her mind when saying such things.”

Taking the last steps before the jump he stumbles over something.

Sentof attempts the jump, the parachute opens, the wires tangle and he becomes muddle-headed. He remembers everything that happened early that day and concludes:”Minds are like parachute. They only function when they are open.”

Image via Wikipedia